Chick’s face growing crooked, unlike scissor beak

[MargieandMagic]

I have 2 doz 7 wk old Banty chicks. Only this one chick (circled in photo) has their upper AND lower beak growing crooked in the SAME direction?

It was first noticeable at 6wks so I began treating it as if scissor beak was going to occur. In the last week the beak has become significantly more crooked!

Is this how scissor beak looks in the beginning?Will the upper and lower jaw eventually grow apart?

I’ve googled and read lots of chicken blogs but I can’t find anything where the upper and lower beak are aligned AND crooked. The chick is growing great, can eat and drink normally and is not being picked on.

 

[Punkybrewster]

Looks like a birth defect.
As with any type of defect in chicks, it usually gets worse with age.

I would just monitor that shes eating and drinking enough, neurologically okay then wait and see.

She may end up funny looking but do fine or worsen over time with brain damage. Only time will tell.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
x2. As long as she acts normal, can keep up with her hatchmates, and isn't getting thin, it's good. Otherwise, you will have to act to prevent further suffering.
Mary

 

[Sonya9]

If she starts losing weight you may need to give her soft food (i.e. chicken feed soaked in water) so it is easier to grab a mouthful and swallow.

 

[MargieandMagic]

Looks like a birth defect.
As with any type of defect in chicks, it usually gets worse with age.

I would just monitor that shes eating and drinking enough, neurologically okay then wait and see.

She may end up funny looking but do fine or worsen over time with brain damage. Only time will tell.

That’s a really good point, I was only thinking about it in terms of scissor beak, but I’m glad you pointed out potential neurological problems. I would hate for the chick to suffer bc I was only looking at the issue too narrow minded.

 

[MargieandMagic]

After the mention of potential nuero issues I checked the chick out closer and took some pics.
The chick’s right side of its face looks normal. But the left side is severely hooked and the eye lid is pulled strangely.

 

[M Brennen]

It does appear to be some type of defect. I wouldn’t think there is much you can do, but monitor that he/she continues to eat, grow, and is safe with the others.

 

[PasoRoblesEgger]

Just love her and make sure she can eat and drink. If she starts to suffer at some point, you can make a decision then. Cute little critter.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Agree with all above.

Off topic: I have a defective cat. His eye is all wonky, and his extra eye lid never fully retracts. His eye is always weepy and his nose runs. Vets can't figure out what it is, but it isn't contagious and hasn't worsened over the years. I tried lots of things from allergy drops to homeopathic remedies. One vet suggested surgery. I just stopped all of that after getting fed up with it. He looks weird and acts a little "off," bit other than that, he's fine. I hope it's the same for your chick.

Oh - and it gave us the opportunity to add his weird eye to his name. Meet "Crazy Eyed Seamus."

(Notice the toilet paper mess he made before crawling in the waste basket)